The day I met Hani Irmawati, she stood alone in the parking lot of the International school, a shy seventeen-year-old in worn clothing. Despite the school’s policy against Indonesian students, she approached me, begging to improve her English. When I inquired about her motivation, expecting a local job search, she quietly expressed her dream of attending an American university.
Moved by her determination, I volunteered to help her after school. Each day, Hani woke at dawn, studying on the bus to her public high school, then joining me in the afternoon, exhausted but eager to learn. Despite her struggles with college-level English, her perseverance amazed me.
Hani’s family lived modestly, her parents working as a custodian and a maid. Their income couldn’t support her American university aspirations, dampening my initial optimism.
In December 1998, a scholarship opportunity arose, but upon reviewing the requirements, I despaired. Hani lacked the extracurricular experience and standardized test scores typical of applicants. Despite my discouragement, she remained resolute, asking me to submit her application. Unable to refuse, I completed the application, highlighting her courage and perseverance. I warned her of slim acceptance odds, but she remained steadfast.
In the following weeks, Hani intensified her English studies, and I arranged for her to take the Test of English Fluency. The computerized test posed a significant challenge for her. Just before departing for the test, she received a letter from the scholarship association. I began reading the letter with her, only to discover she’d been accepted.
Overjoyed, I celebrated while Hani stood quietly, perhaps bewildered by my shock. In that moment, I realized what Hani had known all along: success requires not just intelligence, but also the drive to persevere and the courage to believe in oneself.
24. What motivated Hani to improve her English?
A.Pressure from family members. | B.Curiosity about foreign languages. |
C.Job prospects in the local community. | D.Ambition of entering an American university. |
25. What can we infer about the difficulties that Hani had?
A.Hani’s parents were unsupportive of her dream. |
B.Hani was uninterested in extracurricular activities. |
C.Hani’s application form was not submitted on time. |
D.Hani was not academically qualified for the scholarship. |
26. How did the author likely feel upon discovering Hani’s acceptance to the scholarship?
A.Surprised and proud. | B.Relieved but envious. |
C.Touched and honored. | D.Shocked but concerned. |
27. Which of the following is the best title for the text?
A.From Shyness to Success | B.A Scholar’s Journey |
C.The Power of Perseverance | D.Hani’s Unrealistic Dream |